(BPT) – The beloved summer season tends to come and go too fast, so there’s no time to waste when planning a summer trip with friends or family. Whether it’s a bike ride, hiking for the day or a family vacation at the beach, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the adventures that lie ahead. Check out these five essential on-the-go travel tips that will ensure a safe and stress-free trip.
Pack smart
The contents of your adventure pack depend entirely on your summer plans. Packing for a longer beach vacation? Be sure to make a packing list so you don’t forget anything important, and pack plenty of layers to prepare for all types of weather. If your summer is filled with day trips to the beach, pre-pack the suits, towels, beach chairs and plastic bags for wet clothes. If you plan on going on long hikes, have bug spray and a first aid kit at the ready. Try to expect the unexpected; you never know when duct tape and a little emergency cash can save the day.
Guard yourself against the sun
Nothing can ruin a fun time quite like sunburn can. Sun protection is something you don’t want to leave behind and you certainly don’t want to get a late start to your day because you have to run to the store to pick up another bottle of sunscreen. Make sure your summer adventure pack is full of sun gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, SPF clothing, and a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat.
Have cold water at the ready
It’s important to stay hydrated in the summer heat, so don’t forget to pack plenty of water. To keep your water ice-cold, fill your water bottles halfway with water and stick them in the freezer. Before you leave for your next outing, fill the bottle to the top and you have refreshing ice water to go! Or invest in a well-made reusable, insulated bottle that will keep your water cold throughout the day.
Tip: Freeze fresh fruit such as berries or lemons in ice cube trays and toss in your water bottle before you go for a refreshing unique twist!
Don’t let empty batteries stop your fun
A few hours into your adventure you might find that your phone is running low on battery, making you choose between keeping your access to the outside world and a photo op. Invest in a portable power bank. Just keep it charged and ready in your pack so you can top off your battery meter whenever you’re on the go.
Stay energized with protein-rich on-the-go snacks
It can be hard to eat healthy when you’re on the go. Avoid fast-food places that tend to be heavy on the junk food and prepare a variety of nutritious snacks before you hit the road. “Choose foods that are high in protein and other nutrients like vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining energy throughout the day,” says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Raw nuts, nut butters, fresh fruit and even eggs are easy to prep and won’t make a mess while traveling.”
Blatner recommends baking up a batch of egg muffins and freezing them until your next outing. “Not all eggs are created equal though,” says Blatner. “With six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s and vitamin B12 than ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs are the only eggs I recommend to my clients and serve to my family since they are loaded with superior nutrients that can help you refuel after a long day of traveling or sightseeing.”
Check out this easy and healthy Eggland’s Best Mini Quiches with Chives, Shallots and Turkey Bacon recipe to get started.
Mini Quiches with Chives, Shallots and Turkey Bacon
INGREDIENTS
8 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large)
12 oz. turkey bacon, chopped
1 small onion, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh chives, minced (plus more for garnishing)
Small handful of parsley, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
Pinch of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cups fresh Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray and place it on a cooking sheet. Doing this will make it easier to transport in and out of the oven.
In a large skillet, add in the turkey bacon and cook on medium-high heat. After a few minutes, add the onion, shallot and garlic and cook down for a few more minutes.
Lastly, add the chives, parsley and Italian seasoning and cook mixture until the turkey bacon is cooked through.
Remove mixture from heat and set aside until needed.
In a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, add in the eggs and take a fork to whisk until evenly beaten.
Add the paprika and salt and whisk to combine.
Place a thin layer of Parmesan cheese into each individual muffin tin.
Take one teaspoon of the bacon mixture and add it to each tin.
Carefully pour enough of the egg mixture into each muffin tin, just until it covers the filling mixture. Sprinkle with some more Parmesan cheese.
Bake quiches for 16-18 minutes or until the eggs have fully set.
Allow to cool slightly before taking a butter knife to release them from the pan.
Serve immediately or let quiches cool completely, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
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